Resource Network - Part Two

Thank you to my readers that sent some really great comments about my last post! I always appreciate corresponding with my readers and hearing their insightful commentary.

I promised that I would focus this edition on how you go about building your resource network? Building your resource network is more than just knowing "a 'guy' that's an attorney" or a "nice woman" you met last week at a business function that is "a great business coach." In order for someone to qualify to be part of your resource network it must be someone that you know personally, have used in the past and someone you would trust with your reputation. That's what we are talking about here....reputation. Every time you put your reference or referral out there you are literally putting your own good name forward.

So how do you go about building your resource network. Step one is easy....DECIDE TO HAVE ONE! That seems obvious but most people don't take a strategic approach to building their network. They just have people they know and like and consider them part of their network. That's okay for most people but if you truly want to amaze and impress the people in need, have a resource network. People that truly become a resource to the ones you offer their name up to. If you plan to use your resource network to help others, you must have a strategy.

Once you have decided that you want to have a resource network, step two determines who you want to have in your resource network. Think "service" when you strategize here. What are some of the services that most people need, both personally and professionally?

• Family Doctor
• Dentist
  
• Attorney
• CPA
  
• Realtor
• Financial Planner

Those are the "usually suspects" but you need to think broader than that. Think in terms of real issues that might come up.

• Web developer
  
• Plumber
• AC/Heating
  
• Carpet & House Cleaner
  
• IT Support Guy (How critical can this one be when the PC is on the fritz?)
• Sports Association Connection
• School Tutor
  
• Home Owners Association
  
• Babysitter
• Recruiter
• Personal/Professional Coach
• Landscaper
• Roofer
  

This list could go on and on when it comes to all the things we might all need at some point in our lives right? My goal was to get you thinking of this in terms of building your overall resource network. One way to do that is by asking you to commit it to paper. Map out who you would like to have available in your resource network and capture their information on your "resource map." This proves useful not only making you aware of who you have available but comes in real handy when someone is standing in front of you in real need.

The last and final step is engaging your resource network. If you don't have a personal connection with the resource, don't add them! For example, my water heater is on the blink and I called Fox Service Company here in Austin. Though they have done a lot of other work for me in the past and took care of my immediate issue, I would not add them to my resource network as I have no personal connection to the owner, manager or even their service guys. I would however refer them for the good work that they have always done but would make darn sure that the person I am referring them to knows it is simply based on my experience.

Why do I bring this up? After all isn't the resource network sort of like the same thing I would do with referring Fox? NO!!! When someone is in need and you are in a position to help someone you can easily make a call to your resource network to assist BECAUSE you have a personal connection to them. BIG difference over and above a referral.

So engage your resource network. Get them in on the plan. Tell them why you are putting your reputation and trust in them and how you plan to engage them if and when an opportunity arises to do so. This is critical. You must engage them so that you they know the high level of trust you are placing in them and you expect anyone and everyone you refer to them to be treated with the same level of professionalism that they has been shown to you.

Trust me....building your resource network can be one of the greatest assets you own. It does take work and the effort will be appreciated by both the people you help and the people you refer!

Ripple On!!!!

Steve Harper